As Australia prepares for what is expected to be a fierce Ashes series against England, doubts are being raised about the impact of frontline spinner Nathan Lyon.
The man known affectionately as "Garry" has an outstanding record in Test cricket, boasting 562 wickets from 139 matches at an average of 30.14.
He is just one wicket away from equalling Glenn McGrath for second most all-time for Australia, which would leave him behind only spinning legend Shane Warne's 708 scalps.
So often a key factor in Aussie victories, Lyon's output has slipped in recent times, picking up just nine wickets from five Tests on home soil against India 12 months ago.
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In a chat with news.com.au, former Test tweaker Kerry O'Keeffe said conditions no longer suit Lyon on his home decks.
He isn't expecting either team's spinners to have much of a say in the outcome.
“Given Nathan wasn’t really a factor (against India) last year because of the pitches, will Will Jacks play as a batter and part-timer and he and (Joe) Root bowl the spin and they just throw every egg into that fast bowling basket?" he asked.
"I’m very interested in that. Lyon is a quality bowler but he needs conditions and he didn’t quite get them last year.
"I think he might have been frustrated he took nine wickets in the series because conditions favoured pace.
“I think we’re going to see the same. I don’t think spin is going to be a real factor this summer.”
O'Keeffe also stressed the start of the series will be critical to the outcome as England chase a first series win in Australia for 15 years.
“It could be riveting," he added. "The first two Tests are the key — Perth and the day-nighter in Brisbane.
“England often fly the traps, they like to lead a series one-nil.
"Australia lost the first Test in Perth to India last year and still came back, but you don’t want to go one-nil down going to a day-nighter if you’re England, because Australia have been weapons with the pink ball.”